Malaga progress to the last 16 of the Champions League after draw with AC Milan

Malaga battled hard to earn a draw and vital point away to AC Milan, cementing their place in the last 16 of the Champions League

A vital first half goal from Eliseu ensured Malaga booked a place in the last 16 of the Champions League as they held on to draw 1-1 away to AC Milan.

The draw and point gained means the Spanish side now have 10 points after four games, which is six more than third placed Anderlecht who have also played four.

Malaga have impressively progressed through the group stages with two games still left to play in their debut appearance in the UEFA Champions League, and they look likely to win Group C after beating Milan who are still their closest rivals.

Eliseu’s goal, scored just before half time, gave the visitors the lead at the San Siro, but Milan’s Alexandre Pato took advantage of great play by Kevin Constant to chalk up his first goal for the club December 2011.

The goal brought an end to Malaga’s run of clean sheets in Europe this season, but the La Liga club won’t be too downhearted about that as they begin their early celebrations for qualifying for the next round.

Malaga have had a great start to the season in both the domestic league and in Europe, and the fact that they will now have the luxury of being able to rest key players if they choose to stands them in good stead to build on their early-season triumphs.